Barcelona sign Brazilian Malcom from under Roma's nose

MADRID - July 24 2018: Barcelona have swooped to sign Brazilian forward Malcom on a five-year deal from Girondins Bordeaux for an initial 41 million euros ($47.89 million) in a surprise move after AS Roma had struck a deal with the French club.

The 21-year-old was set to join the Italians this week after Roma on Monday said they had reached agreement with Bordeaux for the player but media reports in Spain and Italy said Barca’s 11th hour offer had changed Malcolm's mind.

He did not take a flight scheduled for Rome on Monday evening, having been due for a medical in the Italian capital.

Media reports said Malcolm's change of destination came after Barca's move for fellow Brazilian attacker Willian broke down when they were unable to agree a transfer fee with Chelsea, leading them to turn to Bordeaux’s fleet-footed wide forward.

“The Brazilian will undergo a medial on Wednesday morning and then directly join the FC Barcelona US Tour,” read a statement from the Spanish champions, whose deal for the player includes an extra one million euros in variables.

Malcom joined Bordeaux from Brazilian side Corinthians in January 2016 and scored 23 goals in 96 games for the club.